Islamabad, May 17, 2025: In a rare public acknowledgment, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that Indian ballistic missiles struck Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi and other military sites on May 10, 2025, during India’s Operation Sindoor. The admission, made during a speech at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad, marks a significant departure from Pakistan’s usual stance of denying Indian military actions, following days of official rebuttals claiming minimal damage.
Speaking at a ‘Youm-e-Tashakur’ event, Sharif revealed that Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir informed him of the strikes at 2:30 AM on May 10 via a secure line. “General Munir called me, stating that Hindustani ballistic missiles had hit Nur Khan Airbase and other areas,” Sharif said, praising the Pakistan Air Force’s use of indigenous technology and Chinese jets in response, though he admitted India’s missiles hit their targets. The strikes, part of India’s retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, targeted 11 Pakistani airbases, including Rafiqui, Murid, and Rahim Yar Khan, causing extensive damage to runways and infrastructure, as confirmed by satellite imagery from Maxar Technologies and MizarVision.
Pakistan initially claimed its air defenses intercepted most Indian missiles, with military spokesman Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry reporting only six air force personnel killed. However, Sharif’s statement contradicts this narrative, aligning with reports of significant disruption, including a week-long closure of Rahim Yar Khan’s runway. The escalation prompted an emergency meeting of Pakistan’s National Command Authority and a US-brokered ceasefire later on May 10, mediated by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
In India, BJP leader Amit Malviya highlighted the strikes’ precision, stating, “Sharif’s admission underscores the boldness of Operation Sindoor, with the Prime Minister woken up at 2:30 AM by news of strikes deep inside Pakistan.” AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi mocked Pakistan’s leadership, questioning their ability to operate damaged airbases. The admission has fuelled discussions on India’s military prowess and Pakistan’s strategic vulnerabilities, with the Nur Khan strike—near Pakistan’s military headquarters—raising concerns about proximity to its nuclear facilities.
